How to Play Valorant: Tips & Strategies for New Players
Step into the competitive world of Valorant, a game where precision and strategy can make you a champion. Are you looking for how to play Valorant in 2024? This tactical shooter combines skill and team strategy. If you’re new to the arena or want to improve your tactics, you’re in the right place.
This guide will cover everything from the fundamentals of gameplay to the insider slang that’ll have you communicating like a pro. Gear up to learn how to play Valorant and prepare to lead your team to victory. Ready to take the first step? Let’s dive in.
What Is Valorant?
Valorant is a free-to-play multiplayer tactical first-person shooter developed and published by Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends.
Released in June 2020, the game combines the precise gunplay of classic shooters with unique abilities provided by a cast of characters known as “Agents,” each with their own distinctive powers and roles.
This blend of traditional FPS mechanics with strategic, ability-based gameplay sets Valorant apart in the crowded shooter genre.
Players are divided into two teams, Attackers and Defenders, with the primary modes focusing on planting or defusing a bomb, known as the Spike. Valorant emphasizes teamwork, strategic planning, and precision shooting, requiring players to develop both their mechanical skills and tactical thinking.
The game also features a ranking system in competitive modes, making it a popular choice for both casual play and professional esports.
Is Valorant Free To Play?
Yes, Valorant is free to play. Players can download and enjoy the game without any initial purchase. However, it includes optional in-game purchases, such as skins for weapons, player cards, and other cosmetic items, which players can buy to personalize their experience. These purchases do not affect gameplay or provide any competitive advantages.
How To Play Valorant?
Playing Valorant involves learning its basic gameplay mechanics, understanding the roles of different agents, and developing strategic teamwork skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Valorant:
1. System Requirements and Installation
Ensure your PC meets the minimum or recommended system requirements for Valorant (see below). Important: it is available exclusively on Windows. Download the game client from the official Valorant website and install it.
| Minimum System Requirements | Recommended System Requirements | |
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit) | Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 | Intel i3-4150 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Graphics Card | Intel HD 3000 | Geforce GT 730 |
| VRAM | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Storage | At least 20 GB of free space | At least 20 GB of free space |
2. Setup And Account Creation
Create a Riot Games account if you don’t already have one. Then, log in to Valorant using your Riot account.
3. Understanding The Game Modes
Valorant offers a variety of game modes, which we will explore later in this article.
4. Choose Your Agent
Valorant features various agents, each with unique abilities including tactical, defensive, offensive, or healing powers. Familiarize yourself with a few agents to understand their roles and how their abilities can be utilized in different scenarios.
5. Learn The Maps
Study the layout of maps to understand important locations like Spike sites, choke points, and hiding spots. Knowledge of the map will help you strategize better and anticipate enemy moves.
6. Basic Controls And Mechanics
- Movement: Use WASD keys to move
- Shooting: Use the mouse to aim and shoot. Learning the recoil patterns of different weapons is crucial
- Abilities: Each agent has three abilities and one ultimate. Use the designated keys (default are Q, E, C, and X) to activate abilities
7. Playing The Game
Each match typically involves multiple rounds where one team tries to plant the Spike (bomb) and the other tries to defuse it. Communicate effectively with your team using voice or text chat to coordinate strategies.
8. Economic Management
Manage your credits (money) wisely to buy weapons and abilities. Credits are earned based on performance and round outcomes. Decide between saving, light-buying, or full-buying in consultation with your team to maximize your effectiveness in each round.
9. Practice And Learn
Regular practice is key to improvement. Utilize the practice range to hone your skills. Watch tutorials, professional gameplay, and streams to learn tactics and advanced strategies.
10. Team Play
Valorant is heavily team-oriented. Success often depends on your ability to work effectively with teammates, strategize together, and adapt to evolving situations in the game.
How To Play Valorant In A Different Region?
Playing Valorant in a different region than your own can affect both your game experience, due to potential lag or latency issues, and who you are matched with. Here’s how you can do it:
Understanding Region Locks
Valorant uses region locks to ensure players have the best possible game experience by minimizing latency. Your Riot account is tied to a specific region based on your location when you create the account.
Changing Your Region
To play in a different region, you typically need to change the region associated with your Riot Games account. Here’s how:
- Check Current Region: First, check your current region by logging into your Riot account on the Riot Games website.
- Request a Change: If you need to change the region, you can submit a request to Riot Games customer support. Riot may allow the change based on several factors, such as your new location or if you have moved to a different country.
Using VPNs
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is another way players sometimes access Valorant servers in different regions. However, there are several important considerations:
- Violation of Terms of Service: Using a VPN to change your region might violate Riot Games’ terms of service, potentially leading to account penalties or bans.
- Potential for Increased Latency: While a VPN can route your traffic through servers in other regions, this can also increase your ping, potentially degrading your gameplay experience.
Playing With Friends In Other Regions
If you want to play with friends in a different region, the simplest approach is ensuring everyone is on the same server. This might involve one or more players changing their region officially through Riot, or all players creating new accounts in a single chosen region.
Considerations For Esports And Competitive Play
For competitive players, playing in a region different from your own can have implications for your ranking and the tournaments in which you are eligible to participate. Always consider the competitive landscape and rules when changing regions.
Technical Setup
Regardless of how you access a different region, ensure your technical setup is optimized for the best possible experience:
- Network Speed and Stability: Use a stable, high-speed internet connection to minimize latency
- Hardware Configuration: Ensure your PC’s hardware is up to the task, especially if playing in regions where latency might already be a challenge
Contact Riot Support For Assistance
If you’re unsure about the process or need assistance, it’s a good idea to contact Riot Games support directly. They can provide guidance and help facilitate any necessary changes to your account.
All Game Modes In Valorant
There are currently eight game modes available in Valorant:
Unrated
Also known as Standard Mode, it mirrors Competitive play but without the impact on player rank. It’s ideal for trying new strategies, warming up before playing Competitive, or enjoying the game casually with friends.
The objective is to practice in a realistic, competitive setting without the pressure of affecting your ranked score.
Competitive
This mode is the ranked version of the standard gameplay in Valorant, where you play 5v5 matches with the objective to plant or defuse the Spike. It features a ranking system that matches you with players of similar skill levels. Players must complete a set number of Unranked matches to unlock Competitive mode.
The objective is to climb the competitive ladder by winning matches, which influence your rank and matchmaking in future games.
Premier
This mode is designed for more organized team play, often featuring a tournament-style setup that Riot Games may introduce in special events or as a seasonal feature. It includes stricter competitive rules and longer match commitments.
The goal is to provide a more structured competitive environment, similar to professional play, where strategy and team coordination are even more crucial.
Spike Rush
A quick, casual mode where each game lasts for about 8-10 minutes with each round providing pre-determined random weapons and abilities through orbs on the map. The match is best-of-7 rounds.
The objective is to offer a fast-paced, fun variant of the standard mode that players can enjoy without a significant time commitment.
Escalation
This mode is a fast-paced team game where players go through progressively less powerful weapons and abilities as they score kills. Similar to the “Gun Game” mode seen in other shooters, it supports rapid, continuous action.
The aim is to provide an entertaining and chaotic experience that encourages rapid engagement and a playful competition.
Deathmatch
A free-for-all mode where players can respawn and are encouraged to practice their shooting skills. Each match features 14 players, and the objective is to hit the maximum kill count or have the highest score when the time runs out.
The goal is to improve aiming and shooting skills in a high-intensity environment where quick reflexes and accuracy are rewarded.
Swift Play
Introduced in 2023, the new Swift Play mode offers a quicker alternative to unrated matches. Unlike the traditional first-to-13 format, Swift Play consists of two halves with four rounds each, requiring only five rounds to win.
The economic aspect is simplified; players receive more credits each round, reducing the need for extensive economy management compared to unrated matches.
Team Deathmatch
Valorant’s latest mode, Team Deathmatch, is a 5v5 battle on maps tailored for this mode, where the first team to reach 100 kills or the highest kills before time expires wins.
Players can choose their weapons at various stages, and while agent abilities recharge over time, ultimate abilities are charged by killing enemies or collecting ultimate orbs.
What Are The Maps On Valorant?
As of the latest update, Valorant features several unique maps, each designed with specific gameplay mechanics and strategies in mind:
1. Ascent
A map set in Italy featuring a large, open middle area that both teams can contest. Ascent emphasizes control over mid, which allows teams to split and attack either of the two sites more effectively.
2. Bind
Located in a seaside town, Bind lacks a central middle area but features two teleporters for quick rotations. Each teleporter links one side of the map to the other, creating unique strategies and play styles.
3. Haven
This map is set in a tranquil monastery and is unique because it has three bomb sites instead of the usual two. Controlling the middle of the map is crucial as it allows for quick rotations to each site.
4. Split
Set in a futuristic city, Split features a significant emphasis on verticality and tight choke points. The map is divided by a mid lane that both teams can contest to control routes leading to the two spike sites.
5. Icebox
A colder map set on a frozen dock full of old shipping containers and tight choke points. Icebox introduces vertical gameplay elements, with high ground advantage spots and underpasses creating multiple angles of attack.
6. Breeze
Set on a remote island, Breeze features wide-open spaces and long sight lines, making it suitable for snipers and long-range engagements. It has large bomb sites and emphasizes the use of utility to safely enter areas.
7. Fracture
Unique for its H-shaped layout, Fracture features attackers starting on both sides of the map, with defenders in the middle. This setup reverses the traditional attacker and defender dynamic, creating new strategic opportunities.
8. Pearl
A map set in a vibrant underwater city. Pearl is notable for its lack of major choke points compared to other maps, offering a fresh gameplay experience focused on direct engagements and less reliance on utility.
9. Lotus
Lotus, set in India, is designed to favor defenders, requiring attackers to take significant risks to plant the spike. This map features dynamic elements similar to Haven.
10. Sunset
Sunset brings simplicity to Valorant’s map roster, appealing to a broad player base with its straightforward design inspired by the urban aesthetics of Los Angeles. As one of the smaller maps, Sunset features large sites but tight, congested connectors and entry points, creating a balanced gameplay reminiscent of Ascent.
Valorant Characters: Agents And Abilities
Valorant features a diverse cast of characters known as “Agents,” each with unique abilities that contribute to their roles within a team. These Agents are categorized into four primary roles: Duelists, Initiators, Sentinels, and Controllers:
Duelists
Duelists are independent fraggers tasked with securing high kills and actively engaging opponents. Their abilities are tailored to excel in solo combat, helping them eliminate enemies and carve out strategic advantages for their team.
Initiators
Initiators are vital for breaking into contested areas and displacing defenders by preparing their team for engagement. Their abilities are key in disrupting enemy positions by revealing, disorienting, or interfering with opponents.
Sentinels
Sentinels are defensive experts who can lock down areas and watch flanks, both in attack and defense setups. They are crucial for controlling the flow of the game with their defensive and healing capabilities.
Controllers
Controllers excel in slicing up dangerous territories to set their team up for success. Their abilities are geared toward gaining tactical advantage through vision manipulation and area denial.
See more:
How Many Weapons Are There In Valorant?
As of the latest update in Valorant, there are 17 primary weapons divided across different categories, along with a couple of secondary weapon options:
Sidearms
- Classic
- Shorty
- Frenzy
- Ghost
- Sheriff
SMGs (Submachine Guns)
- Stinger
- Spectre
Rifles
- Bulldog
- Guardian
- Phantom
- Vandal
Sniper Rifles
- Marshal
- Operator
- Shotguns
- Bucky
- Judge
Machine Guns
- Ares
- Odin
In addition to these primary weapons, players also have access to melee weapons, specifically a tactical knife, which can be used when ammunition runs out or for silent kills.
How To Play Valorant On Mac
Currently, Valorant is not natively supported on macOS. To play Valorant on a Mac, you would need to run Windows via Boot Camp or a similar solution that allows you to install and run Windows applications.
How To Play Valorant On Mobile
As of now, Valorant does not have a mobile version, so it cannot be played on mobile devices.
How to Play Valorant on a Controller
Officially, Valorant does not support controller input on PC as it is designed for keyboard and mouse. To play Valorant with a controller, players typically need to use third-party software that emulates keyboard and mouse inputs through a controller.
Tips For Playing Valorant Without Lag
Playing Valorant without lag, high ping, and packet loss is crucial for a smooth and competitive experience. Here are some tips to optimize your connection and gameplay:
1. Use ExitLag
Consider using applications like ExitLag, which optimize your game connection by stabilizing your ping and reducing packet loss. ExitLag routes your game data through its own network, potentially bypassing congested routes and reducing the number of hops data must make.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure your internet connection is stable. Wired connections (Ethernet) are more reliable than wireless ones (Wi-Fi) as they generally provide a more stable and faster internet connection.
Also, it’s important to avoid bandwidth-heavy activities during gameplay. Streaming, large downloads, or other devices consuming internet bandwidth can significantly affect your game performance.
3. Adjust Game Settings
Reduce game resolution and graphics settings. Lower settings can decrease the load on your system, potentially reducing lag if your hardware is struggling to keep up.
If you’re experiencing variable frame rates, try setting a cap on your FPS. This can stabilize performance if your GPU is being overtaxed.
4. Geographical Server Location
Play on a server that is geographically closest to you. This typically results in lower ping and better overall latency.
5. Monitor Your Network Performance
Use tools like ping tests and speed tests to monitor your network performance. Keeping an eye on your ping times and internet speed can help you troubleshoot issues as they arise.
6. Optimize Network Settings
Regularly check for and install updates for your router’s firmware. This can improve performance and security.
You can also use your router’s QoS settings to prioritize gaming traffic over other types of traffic on your network.
